※ DMPK family introduction

    DMPK (myotonic dystrophy protein kinase) belongs to AGC group, which was first described in 1909 and has relation with myotonic dystrophy. The phylogenetic tree of DMPK family shows this family also includes ROCKs (Rho kinases), MRCK (cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42)-binding kinases) and citron kinase. Sequence analysis shows that these kinases contain an amino-terminal kinase catalytic domain followed by a coiled-coil-forming region and other functional motifs at the C-terminus. DMPK has been probed by synthetic peptides or putative physiological substrates to possess Serine/Threonine kinase activity. Many proteins targeted by DMPK show a consensus motif R x x S/T L/V R, which is similar to PKC. DMPK has been shown to act as a key molecule in regulation these in varieties of cellular processes, including regulation of skeletal muscle proper structure and function, ion-channel gating control and cell metabolism. In addition, abnormal expression or genetic defect of DMPK is associated with myotonic dystrophy (1).

Reference
1. Kaliman, P. and Llagostera, E. (2008) Myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) and its role in the pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy 1. Cell Signal, 20, 1935-1941. PMID: 18583094